Totems that defy gravity, screens that look as if they are written in a forgotten alphabet, lamps and mirrors, furniture which seems to breathe at the mere touch of moonlight. The site-specific installation of Antonio Marras for De Castelli Gallery focuses on legends and strength, materials and art.
Marras interprets metal with an intuitive approach and a creative process guided by the vision of Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, who could forge chaos and transform it into beauty. The result is La Geometria del Caos: a series of unique, limited-edition pieces designed and decorated by Antonio Marras in the De Castelli workshops.
When Marras first walked into the De Castelli gallery space in Milan, he immediately sensed that he was stepping into a place with history: indeed, it had been one of the most important galleries in Milan — and it had the potential to become a place where emotions are put on display.
From this sensation, Marras began to envision the rooms, niches and the large portal which opens onto Via Visconti di Modrone, where he placed two large guardian-like figures that encourage people to cross the threshold. Once inside, visitors are welcomed by other ‘characters’ which enliven the furniture: elements which contain, illuminate, support and reflect become an artistic ensemble which composes a syncopated setting.
The De Castelli gallery in Milan is a space where artists can use the company’s savoir faire as a new lexicon, creating unique pieces that coexist with the slow pace of exhibitions: Marras’ project confirms the company’s commitment to bringing stories to life through objects.
